Markets
Make A Stop At Our Markets
The communities surrounding Kootenay Lake host amazing markets from spring to fall. Whether you find yourself in Nelson or Kaslo, Lardeau or Meadow Creek, you're sure to be delighted you stopped by. Whichever market you choose, you'll find farmer's produce, freshly picked from the fields, as well as artisan made products and gifts. Enhance your trip by stopping by one, two, or more, of the markets. Take home some local treasures and delicious food.
Find Awesome Markets
Farmers Markets
Our farmers markets are a vibrant part of our region, capturing the unique spirit of our artisans and food vendors in a weekly community gathering.
Get your garden going - Nelson Farmer's Market kicks off their season with the Garden Starter Market, every Mother's Day in May, an ideal place to get your veggie and flower starts for a beautiful garden. From then until October, you'll find this bustling market at Cottonwood Falls Park every Saturday (9-2), with a waterfall, distinctive bridge and Japanese gardens. Then on the heritage Baker Street, Nelson's main thoroughfare, every Wednesday (10-2). Fill your basket with locally grown organic greens, handmade ceramics, fresh cut flowers and more.
Every Saturday (9-1) from June to September, Kaslo’s Farmers Market sets up shop on Front Street, by the Kaslo Hotel. Try some local produce, unique artisanal crafts, freshly made food, and one-of-a-kind specialities at this cozy market.
In North Kootenay Lake, you'll find Lardeau Valley Sunday Market (10-2). You'll be sure to find baked goods and coffee, local veggies, clothes, skincare and live music at this sweet community market that runs from mid-June to mid-September.
Night Market
Twice in the summer Nelson Farmer's Market takes over Baker Street for a street party like no other - Night Market, a beloved event showcasing Nelson's farmers and artisans. With closed streets, you'll be delighted by live music and entertainment while local vendors sell their handmade wares. These evenings are reminiscent of old world village festivals, with local residents out dancing, shopping, and eating delicious food. It's well worth a visit.
Artisan Markets
There must be something about the waters of Kootenay Lake, as they continue to attract and inspire artists and local makers. These artisans create works of art with unmatched talent and skill, from Nelson to the East Shore. Within this thriving scene, you'll find many artisan markets to choose from.
Running for 50 years, the Kootenay Artisan Fair juries their markets to ensure the very best quality and aims to encourage local shopping at various points throughout the year. Bazaar Collective offers a couple of curated outdoor market at Nelson's Lakeside Park throughout the summer. New on the scene is A Sunday Market at The Royal, showcasing young local talent alongside fresh DJ beats and drinks specials, so you can sip and shop.
Harvest Markets
With such a warm climate and ideal growing conditions, it's no wonder our region has lots of celebrate come harvest season.
Every September the small community of Argenta comes together for the Argenta Fall Fair, at Argenta Hall. Expect lots of farmer's produce, talented local musicians, practical creations from local artisans and hot food and drink. Stay for the squared dance!
Enjoy the peak of the season at Harvest Fest, held by Nelson Farmer's Market, with wide variety of fresh farm produce, including fruit, vegetables, dairy, honey, meat, and eggs. Find artisan made pottery, jewelry, apothecary as well as live entertainment and lots of fun activities for all ages.
Winter Markets
In late November and early December there are a variety of markets to explore, in the run up to the festive period. The Kootenay Artisan Fair is one of the events held in Nelson to welcome the holiday season and share our best artisanal gifts and crafts.
Find out more about our region's markets by checking out our awesome events calendar.
The Region
TRAVEL BOOK
Read our visitors guide online or order a copy of the official visitor's guide and map for our region.